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What you need to know
Mobile broadband options include data-only SIMs, USB modems, pocket Wi-Fi and home wireless broadband.
Mobile broadband might be right for you if you are a frequent traveller, like to work remotely or if you want a backup internet connection.
It works anywhere your mobile phone gets signal and offers average speeds up to 95.53Mbps (depending on your network).
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
We don't charge extra. Prices shown on Finder are the same as those you get directly from internet providers.
We compare almost every major internet provider in Australia, all in one place.
Our team is dedicated to monitoring internet plan prices and keeping deals updated daily.
Finder's top pick for the best mobile broadband plan:
Belong Mobile Broadband 100GB
Belong's 100GB mobile broadband plan stood out to us thanks to its low cost per GB ($0.35 per 1GB) on the Telstra 3G/4G wholesale network. It also comes with no lock-in contract and no excess usage fees so you won't be charged if you use more than 100GB a month.
Keep in mind that this plan comes as a data SIM so you'll need to have a device on hand to use it.
We compared 104 mobile broadband plans on Finder and made our choice based on network coverage and cost per GB. Assuming that this won't be your primary internet connection, we chose to focus on mobile broadband plans that offered 100–200GB a month.
This narrowed down our selection to Belong and SpinTel. As Belong runs on parts of the Telstra 3G/4G network that covers 98.8% of Australians, it secured the win over SpinTel's Optus 4G network coverage (98.5%).
What are the different types of mobile broadband?
You can get different types of mobile broadband plans in Australia depending on what kind of device you're after.
While they're all portable, home wireless broadband is the bulkiest of the options and best suited for home use.
Connects multiple devices with unlimited data options
Plugs into a power outlet
Portable where you can connect to power
How do I find the best mobile broadband plan?
If our top pick for the best mobile broadband plan isn't right for you, consider:
1. The network your plan is on
Just like your mobile phone plan, your mobile broadband plan is going to utilise one of the existing phone networks to get you connected. Telstra has the largest network covering 99.8% of Australians. This makes it great for those who may require an internet connection in some of the more remote parts of the country.
2. How much data you need
Each provider offers different amounts of data at various price points. You can use our data usage calculator to get an estimate of how much data you might need. Data comes in amounts as low as 7GB and as high as 500GB, with one provider offering unlimited data.
Good to know: The average cost per GB for a mobile broadband plan on Finder is $2.26. Generally, the value of your mobile broadband plan should get better the higher the data you need.
The best mobile broadband plan will be the one that suits your connectivity needs.
Yes. Currently, SpinTel is the only provider on Finder that offers an unlimited mobile broadband plan. It costs $54.95/month for unlimited data on the Optus 3G/4G network.
Alternatively, if you're looking for another option, you could take a look at Vodafone's unlimited data mobile plan.
Vodafone's plan includes 30GB on top of your unlimited data plan to be used for hotspotting to a personal device.
Keep in mind that it is not intended to replace home internet.
Home wireless broadband is also good to consider for unlimited data. While the modem isn't as portable as other types of mobile broadband, there are a lot more providers offering unlimited data.
Is mobile broadband right for me?
Mobile broadband is a great way to connect to the internet while you're out and about, though it does cost more than other types of broadband connections.
We've broken down the pros and cons of mobile broadband below.
Pros
Portability. Mobile broadband modems can easily fit in your bag and can be used anywhere you get phone signal.
Speed. A strong 4G or 5G connection can match or exceed speeds available on an NBN connection.
Multiple connections. A single modem can provide a connection for multiple people. Great for a small group of people to work offsite together or for families.
Cons
Reliability. Similar to a phone, poor weather conditions or poor reception can affect how reliable your connection is.
Price. Depending on how much data you need, a mobile broadband plan could be a more expensive option. If you intend for more than a few people to use it, it may be better to look at alternatives as your main internet connection.
How fast is mobile broadband?
Most mobile broadband providers offer plans with 3G/4G capability, although a few including Belong, Optus and Telstra offer 4G/5G capability too.
You can see what the median download speed for each mobile network is below.
Network
Median download speed (Mbps)
Average time to download a 50MB podcast episode
Average time to download a 1GB file
Telstra
95.83
4 seconds
83 seconds
Optus
86.92
5 seconds
92 seconds
Vodafone
66.40
6 seconds
120 seconds
Based on median speeds in Australia recorded by Speedtest in November 2022.
Why you can trust Finder's broadband experts
We've done the work
We've researched and reviewed hundreds of internet plans to make our guides as helpful as possible. Our expertise is highlighted across numerous TV, print and digital media appearances.
We're reliable
We keep our product database of 65 internet providers updated regularly with the latest broadband deals. Our guides are carefully reviewed and fact-checked.
We're here to help
Since 2015, we've helped over 1 million Australians find the right broadband plan for their household. We explain plan features and prices simply to help you make your decision.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use mobile broadband anywhere you receive a phone signal. However, mobile broadband isn't intended to be anyone's main residential internet connection.
If you want a somewhat portable internet connection as an alternative to the NBN then you might want to consider home wireless broadband.
Based on current 3G and 4G speeds, high-speed NBN plans will be faster.
If you're able to get a 5G mobile broadband plan (availability depends on your location), the speed should be equal or faster than a high-speed NBN plan.
Yes, in some ways mobile broadband and home wireless broadband are very similar. This includes how they use a phone network to connect you to the internet.
However, mobile broadband is a more portable option designed for use on the go. Home wireless broadband is intended for home use.
In terms of technology, it's not that different at all from using a personal hotspot on your mobile device.
Some mobile providers actually detail in their T&Cs that you can't hotspot off your mobile plan for long-term use. That's because it's not how the plan is intended to be used. Your service may be revoked in such a case.
You won't have that problem using a mobile broadband plan as it's the product intended for this purpose.
Prices indeed vary depending on the plan you get and the provider. If you’re looking at your options for SIM-only data mobile plan, you might like to check out our comparison table and use our search filters to help narrow down your search.
Best to contact the provider directly to discuss your options. When you are ready, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the provider’s website where you can proceed with the application.
Thank you for contacting finder. We are a comparison website and general information service, we’re more than happy to offer general advice.
Please check Amaysim mobile internet to find the right plan for you. You may review and compare the offers available on the table. Once you have selected one, you may proceed by selecting the “Go to Site” button.
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Still end of the day its way to high..the day we get 500gs at 60 a month then we might actually be interested
Hi Steff,
Thank you for getting in touch.
Prices indeed vary depending on the plan you get and the provider. If you’re looking at your options for SIM-only data mobile plan, you might like to check out our comparison table and use our search filters to help narrow down your search.
Best to contact the provider directly to discuss your options. When you are ready, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the provider’s website where you can proceed with the application.
I hope this can help.
Cheers,
May
how to get amaysim mobile internet
Hi Damian,
Thank you for contacting finder. We are a comparison website and general information service, we’re more than happy to offer general advice.
Please check Amaysim mobile internet to find the right plan for you. You may review and compare the offers available on the table. Once you have selected one, you may proceed by selecting the “Go to Site” button.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Danielle